[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S11949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO SENATOR NUNN

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge the long 
service of Senator Sam Nunn of Georgia and to wish him well as he 
leaves the Senate after 24 years.
  Mr. President, I have read that, as a young man, Sam Nunn was judged 
by his home town newspaper back in Perry, GA as ``headed for something 
big or important in this old world.'' Anyone who reflects on Senator 
Nunn's long and distinguished career in this Chamber would agree that 
prediction was fulfilled, both in terms of ``something big'' and 
``something important.'' For Senator Nunn leaves behind an impressive 
reputation as a lawmaker.
  Senator Nunn's reputation as an expert on military matters is well-
known, and, of course, well deserved. But I believe that reputation 
inadequately describes the breadth of Senator Nunn's intellectual 
reach, his deliberate and thoughtful approach to the issues before him, 
and his skill at forging bipartisan consensus. I was particularly 
pleased when he became a co-sponsor of the McCain-Feingold bipartisan 
campaign finance reform bill.
  Whether the subject is national defense, economics, domestic policy 
or cultural values, and whether or not you end up agreeing with him, 
you can learn things from listening to Sam Nunn. Equally as important, 
you could, through his actions, be reminded of the value of respecting 
this institution and the lawmaking process.
  Mr. President, when Senator Nunn last year announced he would be 
leaving this body, to the shock and surprise of nearly everyone, he 
expressed concern that the qualities of sensitivity and prudence were 
being driven out of political debate ``by the extremes in both parties, 
who are usually wrong but never in doubt.''
  I am not alone in sharing that concern with Senator Nunn, and I am 
certain I am not alone in my appreciation for the way he has 
demonstrated the value of a thoughtful, prudent approach to the making 
of public policy.

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